Somerset County Council now has two fully electric, specially adapted wheelchair accessible minibuses available for use.

These vehicles are Maxus EV80 minibuses and are the first of their kind in the county. They have a capacity of ten passengers, and the seats within can be adapted so that three wheelchairs can be safely included.

On one charge, the buses can travel approximately 114 miles currently. They are being used by SEND clients in the Bridgwater area now, but their use may well be expanded across the county in the future.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council's Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital said: "Our new electric, accessible minibuses should improve both the quality of life of our residents and our carbon footprint going forward.

"It's very important that we provide the best service we can in the most climate-conscious way possible so well done to all involved for getting these on the road."

Earlier this year Somerset County Council was ranked as the top county council in the UK when it comes to taking a lead on climate change.